"Monument of Respect for Mehmetcik" (Mehmetçiğe Saygı Anıtı)
This happened during the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915, during World War I. (British Commonwealth vs. Ottoman Empire, etc.)
An Australian soldier was wounded and dying in the middle of no man's land.
Suddenly, a white flag appeared from the Ottoman trenches as if to surrender, and the gunfire briefly ceased.
An Ottoman soldier carrying a white flag emerged and approached the wounded soldier.
The Turkish soldier picked up the wounded man and carried him toward the enemy lines.
Even though they were enemies, he couldn't stand by and watch a fellow "human being" die.
After returning the wounded man to the Australian trenches, the soldier calmly walked back to his own trench.
It's said that the battle resumed shortly after.
This anonymous soldier is referred to as 'Mehmetcik' (a nickname for soldiers similar to 'G.I.' in the US), and the monument above was erected in 1997.
“While we lost thousands of lives fighting Turkey on the Gallipoli Peninsula, we left with great respect and gratitude for the Turkish nation and their unparalleled love for their country. Every Australian loves Mehmetcik as if he were their own son. Their courage, love for country and people, their irresistible dignity and bravery in the trenches, and their patriotism are respected by all Anzacs (Australian and New Zealand soldiers), and these are qualities that all humanity should take as an example. With gratitude and respect to Mehmetcik - Lord Casey, Governor-General of Australia (Gallipoli Veteran), 1967.”
Along with the Christmas Truce, this incident remains a symbol of the humanity that can still exist even in the middle of war.
"Users discuss the touching story of the Turkish soldier's humanity, but the conversation quickly shifts into a roasting session of Winston Churchill's historical blunders and edgy internet humor about how Hitler made other colonial leaders look better by comparison."
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